"Christopher?"
I stare at the figure on the other side of the falls. He hasn't moved and neither have I.
From behind me, I hear a twig snap and I spin around. A wolf, as big as a bear, stares at me and I can feel my legs wobbling and shaking. Its breathing is hard and angry like its waiting for me to make a move.
It howls out; standing on its two back legs and I scream. I'm shoved out of the way and I hit the ground hard. I can't see anything but I can hear the roar of the wolf. Its like a shield around me and a arm rests across my back.
"Don't. Move," Christopher whispers in my ear. I'm almost happy to hear his voice and I gladly obey.
There's another roar and then silence. The water is the only sound now and we still lay there. Christopher's breathing prickles down my neck and I shiver from goosebumps.
My fingers slowly brush his wing that shielded me and it suddenly pulls away. I jump up onto my feet and he does the same. I look over at where the figure was standing and its not there anymore.
"What was that?" I asked, looking at Christopher.
He rubs the back of his neck. "I'm kind of famous around here. Made some friends with some wolves, talked with some eagles.... I save them from their problems and they help me, simple as that."
I stare at him. "So that bear/wolf was a friend?"
"Yup. He's also French."
I don't speak and I look around. "Is he... Dead?"
He shakes his head and looks around. "He's probably still fighting off those guys and-"
"What guys?" I ask. "Are they looking for us?"
"You," he said, pointing a finger at me. "I'm not that important to them anymore. When they approached me as I sent you off, they kept riding by, trying to follow after you. Until I called out for some help and took them down."
"And you protected me."
He stares at me then crosses his arms. "Don't take it for granted. Its only a one time thing."
"I doubt it," I said, holding myself. "Their gonna still be after me."
"Most likely."
We don't say anything and a roar sounds from the trees. I run over towards Christopher but he doesn't move. The bear/wolf creature emerges slowly and it makes its way towards us. I grip Christopher's arm tightly.
"What took you so long?" Christopher asks when it finally stops in front of us. It stood on its four legs and towers over me and Christopher. It leans down in front of us and growls.
"I was asleep when you called, you bastard."
I stare at the beast and I'm speechless from his accent. I wonder if the trees can talk too...
"You called for help once and I called for assistance," Christopher stated with a shrug. "I didn't complain to you that I was in the middle of anything."
The beast growls and it turns its attention towards me. I stare into its dark black eyes and it takes in my appearance. It then bows and I stare at him. "It's an honor to be in your presence, princess Amma."
Christopher snickers and I remove my arm from his. I cautiously take steps forward and place a shaking hand onto its head. He slowly looks up at me and I brush its fur.
"Umm excuse me," Christopher says from behind me and I look back at him. "If you two are done with..... What ever this is, I would like to get the hell out of here."
The beast groans and I look at it. He looks at Christopher angrily and I smile to myself.
"How would you like to join us?" I ask it.
The beast stands tall and I step back so I can see its face.
"Really?" It asks and I feel my arm being pulled.
"Can I have a word with you," Christopher whispers for only me to hear. Before I can give an answer, he pulls me away by my arm. As soon as we are out of ear shot, I snatch my arm away. "May I remind you that YOU are with ME. Not the other way around."
"I am aware of that," I stated, crossing my arms.
"You can't invite people along with us," he said, pointing over at the beast. "That's another mouth that needs to be fed and more of a head ache for me."
"Your over thinking it," I whispered. "He can help. And you said it yourself: you are not going to provide me with any protection. He can do it instead."
He opened his mouth to say something but closes it. He then walks off towards the beast and I follow behind him.
"I hope your not hungry," Christopher said. "Sucks to be you if you are."
